SCHOOL MUSIC.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20629, 19 August 1932, Page 17

SCHOOL MUSIC.

MR E. DOUGLAS TAYLER'S WORK.

A DISTINGUISHED CAREER

Mr E, Douglas Taylor, F.R.C.0., A.R.C.M., supervisor of school music under the New Zealand Education Department from 1920 until 1931, whose detith at the age of 45 was announced in Thb Pkes? yesterday, was distinguished as an organist and choirmaster, and had also published several of his own compositions. He received liia training at the lloyal of Music, London, and during his seven years' study there won two open scholarships, for organ playing and for composition. respectively. He studied under Sir Walter Parratt (late Master of the King's Musick), Sir Charles Stanford (late Cambridge Professor ~of Music), Sir Frederick Bridge (Gresham Professor and Organist at Westminster Cathedral), Sir Charles Wood (Cainbridge Professor of Music),-Dr. F. J. Read (Chiclioster Cathedral), Dr. W. S.' Hoyte, Mr Marmaduko Barton, and Mr Sidney Waddington. During his studies Mr Taylor won the Arthur Sullivan prize at tho Royal College of Music for musical composition, and the Lafontaino prizo. Ho was awarded the highest marks in all England at the Fellowship examination of the Royal College of Organists.

Work In South Africa. In 1913 li« was appointed in open competition to the post of organist in the Grahnuistown Cathedral (South Africa). While there he was instructor at tlic teachers' training college and at the diocesan school for girls. in 1019 ho returned to England, and obtained the post of organist and choirmaster of Lancaster Parish Church. There ho Ttas also instructor in music at the Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, musical director of the- Kuri-Deeanal Church Choirs' Association, conductor of the Lancaster Orchestral Society, and the Mnreeamhe Madrigal Society, honorary local representative and examiner of the lioyal College of Music, and a teacher of tho organ, piano, singing, theory, and composition. Manifold Activities. Before coming to New Zealand, in April, 1026 (the appointment under the Education Department ivas made late in ir>2s), Mr Taylor had for 20 years had experience in training choirs, and had acted as judge at nine musical festivals. As a lecturer he had had considerable success, and he had composed many songs, part-songs, anthems, pianoforte pieces, and chamber and orchestral works. One of his Vorks.'"NW Fairies ate Tripping," was issued as a supplement to the "Musical Times" in 1923. Writing of him in 1012, Sir Walter Parrat t said: "Am excellent organist and pianist. and a composer with something to say. He has a vivid personality, and would galvanise into life the dullest hamlet." Once he had arrived in Xetr Zealand Mr Taylev was not long- in wiojiiug the affection of all the children with whom he came in contact in the schools. His teaching was an inspiration to teachers and pupils alike, and he was always generous in his judgments of the work of others,